Rob Muslow

Earlier this year, at the age of just 28, Rob Munslow managed to fulfil his childhood dream of rowing solo across the North Atlantic.

It all started when, aged 15, Rob read about Tom Mclean who in 1969 had rowed single handed across the North Atlantic. In the initial moments of reading Tom’s story, Rob’s imagination was captured and a vow was made that one day he too would row the North Atlantic.

Graduating from Brunel University with a Bsc Honours in Sport Science and Geography Rob spent the following 12 months travelling. On arrival in Auckland, New Zealand Rob bought a mountain bike and decided to cycle around the country. It was this experience and time alone that enabled him to grow and understand himself better it was here that he realised his life goals. “I was on the South Island Near Mount Cook when I had this surreal moment of inspiration I was camped with a majestic view of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s Highest Peak, the sun was setting on and in that moment I was inspired to list the goals in life that I wanted to achieve”.

Top of that list was Rob’s childhood dream to row across the North Atlantic. On his return from travelling he actively put into place a plan to make his dream reality, six months later Rob was part of a British four man team that would attempt to set a world record for the fastest crossing of the North Atlantic that very next year.

In 2002 and at the tender age of 23, Rob set out as the youngest person ever to attempt rowing the North Atlantic. Along with his fellow crew members they departed on June 1st in what was to be a baptism of fire. Statistics show that there has been 34 attempts on the route and of those 22 have been unsuccessful with 5 men having lost their lives. On the 21st June the team became another of those statistics when there attempt came to an abrupt end, they had rowed 1200miles and been at sea for 21days but hit by a Force 8 Gale their rudder was ripped off and all repair attempts failed, the team were forced to call for assistance.

Most would be content with this achievement but not Rob he had a childhood dream to fulfil so the very next year he returned to St John’s with a new boat and on June 27th 2006 set off solo bound for Bishops Rock, Isles of Scilly. There have been 9 solo attempts on this route and only 4 successes so it was with an amazing show of courage, determination and self belief that Rob not only a set a World Record for the fastest Solo Unsupported crossing of the North Atlantic land to land but he also became the 4th person to ever row the North Atlantic twice. Rob’s journey of 64 days 21 hours tested him to the absolute limit he was capsized twice, survived on rain water for over 45 days and was forced to ration his food. Yet it these experiences and challenges that enable Rob to share with you such an inspiring, motivating and empowering presentations.

Presentations:
As one of the youngest speakers on the circuit Rob speaks about his experiences with honesty, emotion, and humour. With his knowledge and life adventures he speaks about stepping out of the comfort zone taking risk and challenging oneself. Rob has shown enormous determination, perseverance and commitment and it is these qualities that enabled him to succeed and break records he inspires you to find these qualities within yourself. Using slides and stunning video footage to illustrate his points he will leave the audience emotionally touched yet with a new level of self belief prepared for future challenges, ready to overcome. For after-dinner speaking Rob recalls his story with cynical and self depreciating humour it makes for an entertaining, enthralling yet inspiring story of determination and perseverance. His adventures have been a life changing experience and through his talk you too will recognise this and the opportunity you have. One life live it.

The future
Not content with owning the record for the fastest crossing as a four man team on the North Atlantic, or the fastest solo land to land crossing, Rob is planning and preparing a further solo record attempt but this time on a new route. In 2008 he will push off in what he sees as his most exciting challenge to date yet one that is going to be enormously demanding.

Recent Testimonials
“Rob’s presentation was enthralling he talks with passion and explains his points with great humour he has the proven qualities for success it was those attributes that he has introduced into our team”.
Marketing Director for Naturally Best.

I was greatly privileged to be a fellow speaker when Rob Munslow made his first after dinner speech.

His story of rowing the Atlantic alongside three colleagues is gripping, enthralling and terrific. He was able to inject humour into the account of the crossing making what was really a superhuman effort into, not exactly a light hearted event, but certainly hugely memorable and entertaining.

His explanation of a near miss with a massive tanker, the sheer helplessness of watching the giant ship pass by within a matter of yards, had the audience spellbound. I feel Rob will become a very attractive proposition on the speaker circuit.
Bob Wilson, ex Arsenal and Scotland Goalkeeper, BBC Sport Presenter.

We invited Rob Munslow to speak with our fresher students at the beginning of the academic term these students have just entered into a new environment many feel outside of the comfort zone and will be facing new challenges. Rob’s presentation of his experiences left the students feeling empowered, inspired and ready to go forward he has a truly amazing story of courage, determination, and self belief.
Leeds Metropolitan University.